Kia has announced a recall for certain 2011 Sorento 2WD vehicles with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from the start of production through to May 22, 2010. Because Hyundai uses the same parts in their Santa Fe, the same recall is being made on the 2010 Santa Fe 2WD vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from October 2009 to March 2010.

The problem is being blamed on a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. This misalignment will accelerate wear in the shaft and lead to excessive noise and eventually to a damaged automatic transmission. Dealers will replace the right side output gear and the intermediate shaft beginning this month. Kia owners wanting more information on this recall can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Hyundai owners can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.